The winger slotted his sixth goal of the season for Adelaide, who have lost just once in their past 10 matches.

Carrusca told Grandstand he was happy to score but happier the Reds could take the three points.

"We did a really good job today," Carrusca said.

"I'm very happy we have the three points at this time. This is very important for us.

"They are a really good team, but I think we kicked the ball like the coach wants and we got the score today."

The Mariners, now fourth on the ladder but level with Adelaide and fifth-placed Melbourne Victory on 27 points, showed more scoring intent the second half.

And they went close: a Bernie Ibini blast was spectacularly saved by Adelaide 'keeper Eugene Galekovic diving high to his right, and a Matt Simon header almost shaved the far post some 10 minutes later.

But the spotlight soon returned to Carrusca.

In the 60th minute, he conjured a precocious shot - with a first-touch from the outside of his valued left boot, he lobbed over the Mariners' keeper but the ball fell on top of the net.

Carrusca managed another saved shot before being leaving the field to a standing ovation when substituted in the 79th minute.